Coast Lines, Jan. 16, 2014: Farmers eligible for drought relief

Santa Cruz County farmers are eligible for federal disaster assistance due to drought conditions, Rep. Sam Farr, D-Carmel announced Wednesday.

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack designated 27 California counties, including Monterey, San Benito and Santa Clara, as primary natural disaster areas. Santa Cruz County was designated as a contiguous disaster county, making it eligible for relief as well.

Farmers may qualify for low-interest emergency loans of up to $500,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency. They have up to eight months to apply. The agency will take into account the extent of losses, available security and repayment ability in determining whether to grant a loan.

Pajaro Valley teachers have ratified an agreement reached with district leaders in mid-December after months of negotiations, union leaders announced Tuesday.

The new contract calls for a 7 percent salary increase retroactive to July 1. Also spelled out in the deal is a plan for reducing class sizes in kindergarten, second grade and third grade to an average of 24 students within three years.

Both sides will be back at the bargaining table in the spring for more negotiations. Teachers want to additional salary increases in coming years, as well as more paid time to prepare for lessons.

SANTA CRUZ

Planning panel to hear crematory move

The Santa Cruz Planning Commission on Thursday will consider a request by Santa Cruz Memorial to relocate its crematory operation behind the mausoleum building.

The company plans to construct a 665-square-foot addition to an 1,180-square-foot storage building behind its Ocean Street Extension building, giving the crematory 1,845 square feet. The crematory has been located across the street at 1902 Ocean St. Extension since 1992.

The plans require a major modification of existing special use permits, a design permit and a historic alteration permit because the 1930 mausoleum is listed on the city's historic register.

The Monterey Bay Air Pollution Control District determined emissions from the relocated crematory would have no significant impact on nearby residences, according to a staff report. The closest single-family homes are 470 feet away and the Tannery Arts Center residences are 710 feet away.

The commission will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Council Chamber, 809 Center St.

SANTA CRUZ

Red Cross offers tips to avoid spread of flu

Here are tips from the American Red Cross on how to help prevent flu from spreading.

Stay home if sick, and avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing, and throw the tissue away after use. People with the flu can spread it to others six feet away through coughs and sneezes.

Wash hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand-rub.

Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth.

"If someone has the flu they should avoid contact with others as much as possible," said Mark Cloutier, American Red Cross Regional CEO. "Everyone should also disinfect surfaces used commonly such as door knobs, switches, phones, computers and remote controls."

WATSONVILLE

Police get closer to new officers

The City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved acceptance of a $375,000 federal grant that would allow the police department to hire three officers.

The acceptance is contingent on the successful passage of a sales tax measure in June dedicated to beefing up police and fire departments. The measure would provide the more than $600,000 in required matching funds.

The council won't decide on the amount of the tax measure or even whether to put it before voters until the results of polling are presented at its Jan. 28 meeting.

Police Chief Manny Solano said as long as the city doesn't draw down the funds in advance of a successful measure, the grant can be rejected with no penalties.

SANTA CRUZ

Democratic women's club hosts pro-choice brunch

The Reproductive Rights Network of Santa Cruz County will host a pro-choice brunch to celebrate the 41st anniversary of Roe v. Wade 10 a.m. Saturday﻿ at United Methodist Church, 250 California St.